Landlords 'trust their instincts' when it comes to tenants

Conditions in the private rented sector continue to benefit Britain's landlords, with demand for accommodation so high that they are able to be increasingly selective when it comes to choosing from potential tenants.

Yet while you'd think that someone's financial background is a factor that would be of particular important to landlords as they decide who they're going to let their properties to, it turns out that the vast majority tend to trust their instincts.

As a survey conducted by BDRC Continental revealed, 75 per cent of landlords go with their gut feeling about prospective tenants when they're making their decision, while 69 per cent want to let to people who come across as honest and open.

Despite financial considerations obviously being a key factor before signing a tenancy agreement, only 53 per cent wanted their potential tenants to have a good credit history - a far lower proportion than those who simply want someone they believe they can trust.

Mark Long, director at BDRC Continental, explained that while high demand for rented properties is allowing landlords to be more selective, this doesn't necessarily mean that they are then neglecting the needs of their tenants after a contract has been signed.

"Our research shows that landlords do go out of their way to keep their tenants happy by accommodating their requests where they can," he said.

From fixing broken appliances and fitting new light bulbs to carrying out general maintenance work and improving the energy efficiency of a property, there are many ways that landlords can meet the expectations of their tenants and build a happy relationship.

But while letting property to someone trustworthy is always a good start, it's important that investors remember that accidents can happen - a factor that makes landlord insurance policies vital to protecting against unexpected costs.